Betty Hoppes

Betty J. (Schroder) Hoppes, 90, of Topeka, Kansas was called to her eternal life on January 24, 2025.

She was born on March 8, 1934 in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Albert and Margaret (Miller) Schroder. Born blind, Betty learned to adapt to her surroundings quickly. At the young age of six years old, her mother sent her on a train to attend The Kansas State School for the Blind in Kansas City, Kansas. It was here that her independence and strong-willed spirit blossomed. She graduated in 1952 and began her career as a transcriptionist for Menninger Clinic in Topeka in 1954. She retired from there in 2001 after over 46 years of dedicated service.

On December 11, 1960, she married William (Willie) I. Hoppes at First Methodist Church in Topeka, Kansas. He later died on August 28, 1985.

Betty made many close friends in her community and at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed on June 4, 1978. Betty found a second family at church and she remained an active member of the church throughout her life. There, she regularly attended Bible study and was a member of the Dorcas Circle of LWML.

Betty’s closest friends describe her as a woman of strong faith, wisdom, and filled with love and kindness. Her intelligence and tenacious spirit made her personality infectious. Any detail you told her, she remembered – often knowing her friend’s schedules better than they knew themselves. Betty could read braille faster than others could read with their eyes.

Betty was an avid sports fan, cheering on the K-State Wildcats at every chance she got. She rarely left the house without insisting on dressing to the nines for the occasion. She loved listening to mystery books on tape, indulging in sweets (especially dark chocolate), and spending time with friends – whether going out to eat, getting her nails done, shopping, or just visiting.

One thing that Betty always said was, “People always judge with their eyes, but they need to judge with their heart.” This was a lesson that her friends and family will keep in their hearts forever.

Survived by two brothers, Ivan Schroder of Hannibal, Missouri and Marvin (Jackie) Schroder of Cornwall, Pennsylvania; step-children William Hoppes of Holton, Kansas and Cherrie (Bob Garcia) Hoppes of Meade, Kansas; 15 nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces and nephews, 8 great-great nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great-great nieces and nephews; as well as many friends who loved her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Margaret Schroder; her husband, William Hoppes; brother Clifford; and sisters Maxine, Lois, Leila, and Barbara.

A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 10:30am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas with Reverend Andrew Wright officiating, followed by entombment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Topeka, Kansas. 

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